Instead of neutralizing odors, most air fresheners work by merely smelling stronger than the smells that we want to get rid of. This means that we are simply bombarded with different smells. Some air fresheners even contain oils that coat the nasal passages with an oily film that reduces our ability to detect smells.
For those who are interested in their health and the environment, the high levels of chemicals contained in conventional air fresheners can be of real concern. Such chemicals include benzene, formaldehyde, styrene, terpenes, toluene and phthalates. These can exacerbate conditions such as asthma and allergies, and some are even toxic to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Luckily, there are a number of natural alternatives available on the market.
The benefits of using natural air fresheners compared to conventional ones are obvious. You will be removing multiple chemicals from your home and from the wider environment, and you can be safe knowing that these products are environmentally friendly and that the ingredients are responsibly sourced.
Top Brands
For those looking for natural brands, there are numerous options available. Here we take a look at some of the best.
1. Citrus Magic
Citrus Magic produces a range of natural, citrus based products that include floor products, degreasers, pet care, personal care and, of course, air fresheners. Their air fresheners include both sprays and solid form. As the name suggests, each of their products uses citrus peel, and they are certified as organic by the USDA.
Citrus Magic air freshener spray contains just organic limonene and essential oils, and are non-aerosol. They neutralize and dissolve even the strongest odors on contact, to leave your home smelling clean and fresh. Alongside their citrus scents, the sprays are also available in lavender, linen, and lemon raspberry fragrances.
Citrus Magic solid form air freshener is supplied in a tin and utilizes activated charcoal to absorb odors from the air. Solid air fresheners have the advantage that they can be left open to work continuously, rather than simply being sprayed intermittently in reaction to smells. The available scents include evergreen, ginger tea, and lavender, with specific versions for cars and for combating pet odors.
2. Fresh Wave
All of Fresh Wave’s products are made entirely from non-GMO natural ingredients, such as extracts of lime, pine needles, aniseed, clove and cedarwood. They contain no synthetic fragrances and are completely free of phthalates.
The company’s sprays and gels are deodorizers, and they neutralize odors rather than simply masking them. Fresh Wave’s gel comes in a pot which can be left in any room to absorb smells, and is refillable, while Fresh Wave’s spray is non-aerosol. All packaging is made from recycled plastic. Unlike the other products, Fresh Wave has a very mild scent.
3. Moso Natural
These are linen bags that contain bamboo charcoal. The charcoal contains millions of tiny pores which trap particles on the surface to absorb odors, allergens and bacteria, and remove excess moisture, helping to reduce mold and mildew.
The bags come in four different sizes, making them perfect for use in a range of different sized areas, with one version designed for use in refrigerators.
The Moso Natural Air Purifying bag and its contents contain no chemicals or fragrances, and they are made from sustainable sources. It will last for up to two years if placed in the sun once a month for about an hour, to clear the pores of the charcoal. Once it has stopped being effective, the charcoal can be emptied into the garden, where it will help plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
Conclusion
Conventional air fresheners contain a high number of chemicals, some of which have been shown to have harmful effects. There are a range of natural air fresheners available on the market that are made without harmful substances. Many of the natural brands work by effectively deodorizing and neutralizing bad odors rather than simply overpowering the unwanted smells.